Meander, Frausto named Amarillo’s 2024 Black Man & Woman of the Year

Gateway to Success Inc. has honored Adrian Meander and Judge Titiana Frausto as Amarillo’s 2024 Black Man and Woman of the Year, respectively. Established to recognize outstanding African American leaders in the community, the awards aim to provide young Black residents with role models who exemplify excellence, dedication, and community service.

Meander, a native of Amarillo, began his career at Amarillo National Bank (ANB) in 2000 while earning degrees from Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University. Currently serving as an ANB Vice President and North Branch Manager, Meander has been instrumental in various community initiatives. His board memberships include the Northside Toy Drive, Saint Anthony’s Legacy Redevelopment Corporation, and Leadership Amarillo & Canyon. Previously, he held the position of Vice President at the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.

Judge Frausto was appointed to the 181st Judicial District Court bench by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in October 2020, making her the first-ever female judge of the 181st Judicial District Court and the first African American District Judge in Potter and Randall counties. She succeeded Judge John Board, who served for nearly two decades. In 2021, Frausto successfully ran for re-election, securing a four-year term. Her tenure has been marked by her commitment to justice and community service. Frausto has also served on the boards of Opportunity School and the Amarillo Art Institute and currently collaborates with Meander on the Northside Toy Drive board.

Keith Grays, an organizer of the award, emphasized the dual purpose of the recognition. “I just think Amarillo is great, and we need to continue promoting greatness in our people, our colleagues, our friends, our associates, and our church members,” Grays said. “This award not only celebrates individual achievements but also serves to inspire younger Black individuals in the community to strive for excellence.”

Grays highlighted the criteria for selecting the honorees, focusing on their professional accomplishments and their dedication to community service. “Adrian and Judge Frausto embody the qualities we seek in our recipients,” he explained. “They have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also dedicated significant time and resources to improving our community. Their leadership and commitment make them perfect choices for this year’s awards.”

Meander expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “I am honored to be recognized by my peers and the community,” he said. “Being named Amarillo’s Black Man of the Year is a profound honor, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in both my professional and personal endeavors. I believe in supporting our community and uplifting those around us, and this recognition reinforces that commitment.”

Meander’s journey began at Amarillo National Bank, where he started as a teller while pursuing higher education. His dedication and hard work led him to his current leadership role at ANB. Meander’s involvement in various boards and committees underscores his commitment to giving back to the community. “I just think it’s important to support our community and uplift those around us,” he added. “Promoting excellence among our people helps build a stronger, more unified Amarillo.”

Judge Frausto echoed similar sentiments about the significance of the award. “It is an extreme honor for me to be recognized by Gateway to Success Inc.,” Frausto stated. “Being embraced by this community and acknowledged for my work in the judiciary and volunteerism is deeply meaningful. I hope my recognition serves as inspiration for others, showing that perseverance and dedication can lead to meaningful achievements.”

Frausto emphasized the importance of representation in the judiciary. “As a Black woman in the judiciary, I want to demonstrate to young people that they can pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. It’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation,” she said. “And if I can use my position to show anyone else that looks like me or doesn’t look like me that they can do anything that they put their minds to, then that’s a success in itself.”

Grays further elaborated on the impact of the awards. “Recognizing leaders like Adrian and Judge Frausto sends a powerful message to our youth,” he remarked. “It shows them that no matter where you start, with hard work and dedication, you can achieve great things. These awards help highlight the positive contributions of African Americans in Amarillo and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.”

Grays also touched on the broader goals of Gateway to Success Inc.: “Our mission is to uplift and inspire. By highlighting individuals who have made significant strides in their professions and their communities, we aim to create a ripple effect of positivity and ambition. Adrian and Judge Frausto are shining examples of what can be achieved when you combine professional excellence with a genuine desire to give back.”

The 2024 awards mark the third year of this recognition, following last year’s honor of Joseph Peterson Jr., an Edward Jones financial advisor, and Stephanie Goins, an annual giving officer at the Amarillo Area Foundation. Previous winners include former educator R.J. Soleyjacks and Potter County Constable Idella Jackson. All recipients have been celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the community and their roles as exemplars of professional and personal excellence.

The ceremony, held Sunday afternoon in downtown Amarillo, brought together community leaders, colleagues, and family members to honor the achievements of Meander and Frausto. The event featured speeches, presentations, and a celebratory atmosphere that underscored the importance of recognizing and uplifting Black leaders in Amarillo.

“I started as a teller at ANB while pursuing my education, and through hard work and dedication, I’ve been able to advance to a leadership role,” Meander said, reflecting on his journey and the significance of the award. “This recognition is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me along the way. It’s important to highlight Black excellence in our community to inspire the next generation.”

Grays provided further insights into the future of the awards. “We are committed to continuing this tradition and expanding our reach,” he said. “Each year, we hope to recognize more outstanding individuals who are making a difference in Amarillo. Our goal is to ensure that every year, we shine a light on those who inspire and lead by example.”